Plan Your Nigerian Adventure

Everything you need to know before visiting Nigeria

Travel Essentials

Visa Requirements

  • Citizens requiring visas: Most nationalities except ECOWAS members
  • e-Visa Portal: immigration.gov.ng
  • Processing time: 3-5 business days (standard)
  • On-arrival visa: Available for select nationalities
  • Cost: ₦50,000-₦100,000 depending on nationality

Currency & Money

Currency: Nigerian Naira (NGN/₦)

1 USD = ₦1,550

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  • ATMs widely available in major cities
  • Credit cards accepted at hotels and restaurants
  • Most local markets prefer cash

Health & Vaccinations

  • Yellow Fever: Required for entry - get certificate
  • Malaria: Prophylaxis recommended for all regions
  • Routine vaccinations: Recommended (MMR, Polio, Tetanus)
  • Typhoid & Hepatitis A: Recommended
  • Travel insurance: Strongly recommended

Safety Information

Most Visited Areas (Safe): Lagos, Abuja, Oyo State, Osun State

Areas to Avoid: Northern military operations zones; check current advisories

  • Use registered taxis/Uber
  • Avoid traveling after dark
  • Keep valuables secure
  • Stay alert in crowded areas

UK FCO Nigeria Travel Advice

US State Dept. Nigeria Travel Advisory

Climate & Weather

  • Dry Season: November - March (best time to visit)
  • Rainy Season: April - October
  • Harmattan wind: December - February (cooler, dry)
  • Temperature range: 20-35°C (68-95°F)
  • Humidity: High in coastal areas year-round

Documents Needed

  • Passport (valid 6 months beyond travel)
  • Visa (or e-visa approval)
  • Yellow fever vaccination certificate
  • Travel insurance documentation
  • Flight confirmations
  • Hotel reservations
  • Return/onward ticket

Getting There - International Airports

Murtala Muhammed International Airport

Location: Lagos

Code: LOS

Nigeria's busiest airport with connections to 60+ international cities

Airlines: United, British Airways, Turkish Airlines, Emirates, Ethiopian, ASKY

Distance to city: 22 km from Lagos city center

Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport

Location: Abuja

Code: ABV

Major hub serving central Nigeria and northern regions

Airlines: Kenya Airways, Ethiopian, ASKY, Dana Air

Distance to city: 42 km from Abuja city center

Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport

Location: Kano

Code: KAN

Gateway to northern Nigeria

Airlines: Ethiopian, Arik Air, ASKY

Distance to city: 5 km from Kano city center

Port Harcourt International Airport

Location: Port Harcourt (Rivers State)

Code: PHC

Gateway to Niger Delta and eastern Nigeria

Airlines: Regional connections available

Distance to city: 12 km from Port Harcourt

Domestic Airlines

  • Air Peace: Extensive domestic network - most frequent flights
  • Arik Air: Serves major routes throughout Nigeria
  • Dana Air: Budget airline with good network
  • Azman Air: Northern Nigeria specialist

Getting Around Nigeria

Road Travel

Main Routes:

  • Lagos to Ibadan: 120 km, 2-3 hours
  • Lagos to Benin City: 300 km, 5-6 hours
  • Lagos to Abuja: 900 km, 12-14 hours
  • Abuja to Kano: 800 km, 10-12 hours

Recommended bus companies:

  • GIGM (Good-to-Go-Intercity-Motor): Premium long-distance
  • ABC Transport: Reliable intercity operator
  • Dangote Group: Comfortable coaches

Rail Travel

Available Routes:

  • Lagos to Ibadan (Narrow gauge - under renovation)
  • Lagos to Abeokuta (Narrow gauge - limited service)
  • Abuja to Kaduna (Modern standard gauge - operational)
  • Abuja to Kano (Modern standard gauge - operational)

Note: Rail infrastructure improving; check current schedules

Water Transport

Lagos Ferry Services:

  • Lagos Island to Lekki Peninsula
  • Isolo to Ikoyi
  • Tourist cruises on Lagos Lagoon

River Services: Limited, mainly for locals

Domestic Flights

Major Routes:

  • Lagos to Abuja: 1 hour
  • Lagos to Ibadan: 45 minutes
  • Lagos to Kano: 2 hours
  • Lagos to Enugu: 1.5 hours

Cost: ₦20,000-₦100,000 depending on route

Local Transport

  • Uber/Rideshare: Available in Lagos & Abuja - safest option
  • Taxis: Use registered/official taxis only
  • Commercial buses: Budget option; go during daylight
  • Car rental: Available with driver recommended

Pre-built Itineraries

3 Days

Lagos City Break

Budget: ₦150,000-₦350,000 per person

Day 1: Lagos Island & Bar Beach

  • Arrival at Murtala Muhammed Airport
  • Hotel check-in (Lekki or VI area)
  • Evening: Bar Beach sunset walk
  • Dinner at Lekki Peninsula

Day 2: Culture & Markets

  • Nike Art Gallery (Lekkimall)
  • Lekki Conservation Centre wildlife
  • Lunch at local restaurant
  • Nigerian music performance evening

Day 3: Relaxation

  • Beach time or spa
  • Shopping at Lekki/VI
  • Airport departure
5 Days

Southwest Nigeria Circuit

Budget: ₦300,000-₦700,000 per person

Day 1-2: Lagos

  • Explore Lagos Island & Lekki
  • Beach relaxation

Day 3: Ibadan

  • Drive to Ibadan (2.5 hours)
  • Olumo Rock fortress
  • Local culture experience

Day 4: Oshogbo

  • Drive to Oshogbo (2 hours)
  • Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove
  • Art galleries

Day 5: Return

  • Return to Lagos
  • Departure
7 Days

Northern Nigeria Safari

Budget: ₦600,000-₦1,500,000 per person

Days 1-2: Bauchi

  • Fly to Bauchi from Lagos
  • Yankari Game Reserve wildlife
  • Wikki Warm Spring

Days 3-4: Kano

  • Drive to Kano (6 hours)
  • Old City Walls
  • Emir's Palace
  • Kano Museum

Days 5-6: Gashaka-Gumti NP

  • Fly to mountain sanctuary
  • Trekking & wildlife

Day 7: Return

  • Return to Lagos
  • Departure
10 Days

Full Nigeria Circuit

Budget: ₦1,200,000-₦3,000,000 per person

Days 1-2: Lagos

  • Explore Lagos
  • Beach & culture

Days 3-4: Southwest

  • Ibadan & Oshogbo
  • Sacred Grove

Days 5-6: North

  • Yankari safari
  • Warm spring

Days 7-8: Kano & Culture

  • Durbar Festival (timing dependent)
  • Old City

Days 9-10: Abuja

  • National Museum
  • Departure prep

Where to Stay

Luxury Hotels

Lagos:

  • Radisson Blu (Lekki) - ₦200,000+/night
  • Le Méridien (Lagos Island) - ₦180,000+/night
  • Four Points by Sheraton (VI) - ₦220,000+/night

Abuja:

  • Hilton Abuja - ₦150,000+/night
  • Nicon Luxury - ₦180,000+/night

Mid-Range Hotels

Lagos:

  • Oriental Hotel - ₦100,000-₦150,000/night
  • Transcorp Hilton - ₦120,000-₦160,000/night

Ibadan:

  • Premier Hotel Ibadan - ₦80,000-₦120,000/night

Oshogbo:

  • Heritage Hotel - ₦60,000-₦100,000/night

Budget Hotels

Lagos:

  • Comfort Suites - ₦50,000-₦80,000/night
  • Homestead Suites - ₦40,000-₦70,000/night

Multiple Locations:

  • Protea Hotels (national chain) - ₦45,000-₦85,000/night
  • Airbnb options - ₦30,000-₦100,000/night

Unique Stays

Resort Hotels:

  • Yankari Game Reserve Chalets - ₦80,000-₦120,000/night
  • Lekki Conservation Centre - Day visits + camping

Tourist Lodges:

  • State Tourism Board lodges - ₦35,000-₦80,000/night
  • Traditional compounds - Cultural experience

Booking Tips

  • Book in advance during peak season (November-February)
  • Use Booking.com, Airbnb, or direct hotel websites
  • Verify feedback and recent reviews
  • Confirm amenities (WiFi, AC, hot water)
  • Ask about cancellation policies
  • Negotiate rates for longer stays at local hotels